Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Liturgical Abuses at Mass: How Much Should We Endure and What Should We Do About It? (w/ David W. Emery)

This is from a thread on the CHN board. David W. Emery has been a moderator there for some time. His words (edited slightly for general presentation) will be in blue.

* * *

Can. 846 ß1 The liturgical books, approved by the competent authority, are to be faithfully followed in the celebration of the sacraments. Accordingly, no one may on a personal initiative add to or omit or alter anything in those book

Church authorities have repeatedly been very specific and very clear that “no other person, even if he be a priest, may add, remove, or change anything in the liturgy on his own authority” (Vatican II, Sacrosanctum Concilium 1.3.22.3). One of the more recent pronouncements, the Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum, issued by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on April 23, 2004, contains this provision: “59. The reprobated practice by which Priests, Deacons or the faithful here and there alter or vary at will the texts of the Sacred Liturgy that they are charged to pronounce, must cease.” Where the rubrics give specific permission, and only in those places, the priest may improvise.

The priest or deacon is never permitted to change the wording of the scriptural readings; they must be proclaimed verbatim according to the official text. Likewise, the priest has no authority to omit words from the Mass or the readings without a rubric specifically allowing him to do so. The rubric merely assigns the text to the priest; it does not give him permission to change it.

Is it all that important that the official text be followed? The Vatican has repeatedly said that it is. However, this does not make you or me the policeman to ensure that this happens. I must admit that I too am dismayed and saddened by blatant priestly disobedience to the Church’s authorities in this matter. But I do not see how my being annoyed gives me any authority to take matters into my own hands, so I ignore the infraction as best I can and pray for the salvation of all present in spite of our failings. If there is anything I can change, it is my own attitude and behavior.

[The valid Eucharist] is the primary reason I have recommended that we ignore minor infractions, whether by the priest or by others. Instead of passing judgment and holding grudges, we need to concentrate on forgiveness, as our own salvation depends on this: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

[51.] Only those Eucharistic Prayers are to be used which are found in the Roman Missal or are legitimately approved by the Apostolic See, and according to the manner and the terms set forth by it. “It is not to be tolerated that some Priests take upon themselves the right to compose their own Eucharistic Prayers” or to change the same texts approved by the Church, or to introduce others composed by private individuals.

[52.] The proclamation of the Eucharistic Prayer, which by its very nature is the climax of the whole celebration, is proper to the Priest by virtue of his Ordination. It is therefore an abuse to proffer it in such a way that some parts of the Eucharistic Prayer are recited by a Deacon, a lay minister, or by an individual member of the faithful, or by all members of the faithful together. The Eucharistic Prayer, then, is to be recited by the Priest alone in full.

[53.] While the Priest proclaims the Eucharistic Prayer “there should be no other prayers or singing, and the organ or other musical instruments should be silent”, except for the people’s acclamations that have been duly approved, as described below.

[54.] The people, however, are always involved actively and never merely passively: for they “silently join themselves with the Priest in faith, as well as in their interventions during the course of the Eucharistic Prayer as prescribed, namely in the responses in the Preface dialogue, the Sanctus, the acclamation after the consecration and the “Amen” after the final doxology, and in other acclamations approved by the Conference of Bishops with the recognitio of the Holy See.”

59.] The reprobated practice by which Priests, Deacons or the faithful here and there alter or vary at will the texts of the Sacred Liturgy that they are charged to pronounce, must cease. For in doing thus, they render the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy unstable, and not infrequently distort the authentic meaning of the Liturgy.

It seems simple enough that a priest ought to be up to speed as to what he is permitted to do and not do, with the liturgy. How difficult is that? A night or two curled up on a couch with the appropriate documents would seem to be sufficient. Because it is seemingly not difficult to determine the rules and rubrics (we are doing it ourselves here in this thread), one can only conclude that priests who do not either are lax in the matter or being deliberately disobedient and seeing how much they can get away with.

My solution? I wish I were as pious as David Emery, and of course it is always great to pray in any situation, but one way (as a last resort. mind you) that will accomplish this goal is to speak with your feet: find another parish that does honor the instructions of the magisterium. People leaving cause income of the parish to go down. Money speaks. It's sad that it has to be that way, but whatever works . . .

We as laypeople have a perfect right to experience the Mass the way it is intended to be conducted. As long as we don't fall into a "church-hopping" mentality, we can choose to (after having exhausted all other avenues) leave a parish if there are serious problems that do not seem to ever be rectified.I want to make it very clear that one should choose to leave a parish in the event of truly serious, ongoing abuses, not just a few incorrect words here and there. The Eucharist is what it is, of course, but that's not at issue, which is the right of Catholics to participate in Mass the way it is intended to be by the Church.

It's precisely because every individual Catholic has an authority higher than the parish priest (the bishop and the pope and the magisterium of the Church), that sometimes he or she can "vote with their feet" and be perfectly within their "rights" as a Catholic to do so (and not merely an individualist, as so often in Protestantism). The problem lies with the priest or other "liturgy abusers" at their parish, not with them.

But I fully agree that this is a final recourse, not the first thing to impulsively do. Speaking for myself, I haven't personally criticized a priest in my parish a single time for anything, in my 17+ years as a Catholic. But of course I am spoiled a bit at my parish because everything is conducted so wonderfully there.

I’ve also done that [leave a parish] on several occasions. But from what I’ve seen, money is a non-issue with those who deliberately change texts. You will notice the same with any agenda-driven act. However, not every deviation is agenda-driven. More recently, I’ve chosen the other path because I see that my own attitude, not the priest’s, is what will save me.

That may very well be (I'll accept your word on that), but on the other hand, their bishop will be concerned if the parish isn't generating enough income and that will still land on the priest's head, so he will still ultimately be affected by loss of parishioners.

Your point of proper respect for the priest and concern over our possible objectionable attitudes in such situations is perfectly valid and needed, but it's really a separate issue from the original concern of this post, which was liturgical purity and correctness according to the rubrics.

That’s why I answered the other point first. But as I said above, the prudential issue is really the main question here, not the occurrence of violations, because a question of fact is easily answered, while a question of judgment is not.

The fact remains that there are rubrics and instructions, and these are sufficiently clear. If we point out an abuse to a priest (backed with authoritative Church documents), with perfect humility and graciousness (maybe over dinner or in the midst of twenty compliments, etc., and without the slightest hint of an unsavory "judgmental" or superior attitude) and he simply refuses to make the needed changes, then whether or not his error was inadvertent before, it is now deliberately opposed to Church instruction, since he has been informed of his error.

And what does one do in that situation, if the priest persists in the error? Watch your attitude; pray; absolutely! That's a given. But in the final analysis, like I said, the layman has the right as a Catholic, to the Mass as it ought to be (just as the increasing yearning for the Tridentine Mass as a live option in Catholic worship has arguably played a big role in the present greater availability of that Mass).

Again, I agree with you about attitudes and priorities, and not entering into unwise battles over relatively small abuses (though they be real and troubling). But there comes a point when one can leave in good conscience, having tried other means with no success.

I don’t think we are in disagreement here. We are not all that far apart in our understanding; the seeming disparity is just looking at the problem from different angles.

But as a matter of conscience, I wouldn’t seek to destroy a parish by boycotting a priest; that is neither the proper motive nor the proper goal. And I think you would agree with such a caveat. We need to build up, not tear down the Body of Christ.

We all have our own experiences. I haven't (thank God) been subject to all these abuses and doctrinal absurdities (including RCIA horror stories), that I hear about distressingly often here, and from other Catholics elsewhere. Consequently, I've been at my parish the entire time since I was received into the Church (in February 1991), and have not had a single situation where I felt compelled to ever "correct" my parish priest.

I would say in summary that a priest has a responsibility to make sure the liturgy is done properly and correctly. This is central to his task as a priest (along with dispensing sacraments, administration, prayer, visitation, etc.). He is no more immune from doing his job properly than anyone is, whether it is making sure to teach proper Catholic doctrine (as in my situation as an apologist and now moderator of the CHN discussion board) or balancing the books properly if one is an accountant or following the standard procedures of doctors and nurses, or constructing a road or a building the right way, or preparing a good meal at a restaurant. Whatever it is, a worker in his field has the responsibility to do it right. All the more in the case of the Catholic liturgy, because of its supreme importance.

Many priests may simply be unaware that they are doing anything wrong. I grant that, and am happy this is the reason rather than disobedience. But once they are made aware that they ought not do something and continue to do so, then there is a serious problem in their attitude, not necessarily in the super-seriousness of a word here or there being botched.

I respect no people on earth more than I do priests and religious. I'm in awe of them. But they are not immune from criticism, when they do things wrong, and come to know without a doubt that they are wrong, yet continue to do it.

* * *

I do not see how my being annoyed gives me any authority to take matters into my own hands, . . .

Why cannot a concerned layman point out that the rubrics of the Mass have been violated? Does not every layman have the right to appeal to a bishop, in the case of a straying priest?

Legally and theoretically your points are valid. But practically speaking the issue is more complicated, because other people are involved, because one’s personal judgment is involved, and because motives will be questioned any time there is a complaint.It would have to be a serious, obvious, ongoing violation endangering the actual validity or security of the Eucharist to avoid rejection.

Here’s what I mean: All complaints about the liturgy are, in a sense, considered grave accusations, and there is bound to be an initial negative reaction: Is this on the level? Are you an ideologue? Is there some personal dispute between you and Father that is the real root of your complaint? Are you perhaps trying to lash out at the Church because of something that was said or done that you thought was aimed at you? In a certain sense all these questions are legitimate. Church authorities want to be certain that there is a sound basis for the complaint before proceeding.

But of course it makes the complaintant into a sort of monster, and the process can be rather rough on him. The complaintant is put on the defensive from the very beginning. This is the last thing we want to see, but one way or another, it invariably happens. In spite of the supposed right of the faithful to complain, even to the highest offices of the Vatican, about abuses, this inevitable “hot seat” for the complaintant can be very discouraging. So the choice as to whether one should bring liturgical abuses to the attention of the bishop (or failing his positive response, to Rome) will always involve to a certain extent the stomach one has for being cross-examined, because it is a necessary step in the process of discovering whether the accusation is true and, on the practical level, warrants a response.

This is how the Catholic Church hierarchy works. The priest is subject to the bishop, and so a layman can appeal to a bishop for recourse against priestly abuses of the liturgy, just as we can sometimes go over the head of our supervisors at work, to the "big boss" (or higher up the ranks in the military, in serious situations).

That is not taking matters "into my own hands." Laymen are not deprived of all say-so whatsoever in the Church, as if we are dumb sheep. That's not even true in doctrinal matters, where there is such a thing as the "consent of the faithful" (sensus fidelium) that Cardinal Newman has eloquently written about. It's how the Catholic Church works. And we can also appeal to the pope in the case of erring bishops.

Let it be rare, well thought through and considered, done with the right attitude, soaked in prayer; amen! But I don't see how it is intrinsically improper to take such measures, failing gentler ones. I think this is a sort of assumed premise or "sub-discussion" that is occurring in this thread alongside the original topic of the objectionable liturgical messing-around of some priests.

The prudential issue, as I see it, was the original question. I took this to be the meaning of “making a mountain out of a molehill: Should a person see these acts as serious enough to require censure? And if so, what should he do about it?

My answer was that the Vatican evidently does see them as serious violations because of the strong language it uses when calling for remedial action: “The reprobated practice… must cease,” etc. On the other hand, it is difficult to enforce because a case of this kind nearly always degenerates into a clash of personalities.

I reiterate: it is not “intrinsically improper to take such measures” as registering a complaint. But I also believe that, when it is proper to complain, it should be done with great care and circumspection, because as I said above, the complaintant’s motives will undoubtedly be questioned.

* * *

Vatican II highly stressed active liturgical participation of all at Mass. It occurred to me that this is another very relevant factor in laymen speaking up about liturgical abuse. This means that, to the extent that abuses occur, now we are also forced to participate (in one sense) in the same error. And that is simply unacceptable. It doesn't have to be, and there are things we can do about it.

If talking charitably, kindly, but firmly to our priests and bishops does not change this, then we should go to a parish where it is done right, and if enough people together decide to do that, then perhaps some necessary changes will be made.

This is being a conscientious Catholic and seeking to worship at Mass the way that the magisterium wants it to be, not trying to simply go our own way, as if there was anything wrong with it.

I again offer the analogy of the availability of the Tridentine Mass. If the faithful kept expressing that they wanted that option (and often due to the shabby, shoddy nature of how so many Novus Ordo Masses are done today), and that helped to cause two popes to increasingly abide by their wishes, then surely we can also complain about liturgical abuses and try to rectify that situation as well. The last two popes have often written about such things, so it is perfectly proper for laypeople to follow their lead, as long as we do it with the proper respect and humility for those who have authority over us in the Church.

* * *

You're being more practical and prudential, and I am talking more about the "rights" of laymen, and being idealistic, as is my wont (and often, cross!). I think what you are saying is very important and ought to be "aired." It's a relevant aspect that should be considered as well: how folks are likely to react to any such actions on our part, and it is a needed input on an important widespread problem.

I hit this point heavily because it’s what actually happens. I’ve seen it repeatedly. Either the bishop thinks he has one of those overzealous ultra-traditionalists hounding him and his confreres, or the priest accuses the complaintant of making a personal attack over some private dispute on another matter, or some similar thing is brought up. This seems always to be the pattern, no matter how careful the complaintant is to respect feelings and impressions as well as the truth.

But does that not support exactly what I was saying: that such absurd, prejudicial reactions to such protests from priests and bishops, where they occur, are indicative of a problem in these priests and bishops in the first place? . They seem too often to be beset by a certain paranoia or abject fear of an intelligent, faithful, articulate layman pointing out to them (based on clear Church guidelines) that they have done anything wrong. It's as if they see themselves as immune from all criticism. This is "sacerdotalism" at its worst, and (somewhat ironically) approaches the mentality of Protestant pastors, who are also often unapproachable (as I know from sad personal experience).

Surely there are nuts and overly self-important zealots among the laymen who go about such a things wrongly and with a self-righteous, condemnatory attitude. But that doesn't mean there are no legitimate complaints or none that should be made. We shouldn't cease saying what needs to be said because some of our clergy act improperly when someone dares to correct them, in charity and with humility and reverence for their office. The reaction ought not totally determine what we do.

I can agree to the extent that such men exist. However, the point I was making about the complaintant’s motives being challenged is not fully explained by these types. It is rather a legitimate cross-examination to protect the integrity of the Church against possible cranks or saboteurs.

And so I would contend that -- precisely because of these manifested ridiculous attitudes (where they occur) --, sometimes (as a last resort only) we are forced to vote with our feet. We have a right to the Mass as intended by the Church. If we allow ourselves to be subjected to nonsense, as a result of a man who is not following Church guidelines, we are subject to the whims of mere men.

Man, I'm so glad I'm in a parish where this stuff doesn't happen! I don't have the patience for it. The way I deal with liberalism and nonsense in the Church is to 1) ignore it on a personal level, and 2) denounce it in my writings. But I have the luxury of being in a great parish, that (sadly) not many have.

One CHN board member was asking about how to identify a good parish:

Today, it is fairly easy to find a good parish, almost by a default method. If it doesn't present a goofy, trendy version of the liturgy, and gets it right, that is the first big clue. Follow the missal, to verify that. And if it offers all these sorts of things that you mention, that is the other big clue.

Devotion to the Blessed Virgin and obedience to the Holy Father are two other clear indications that you are in a solid, orthodox parish. Look at any books that are offered. If you see good orthodox publishers like Ignatius, OSV, and Sophia, and promotion of EWTN and Catholic radio, then you're probably in a good parish.

It is simply a matter of learning a few telltale signs, so you can avoid nonsense before ever getting committed to a particular parish. The goal is to find a good parish, not the church-hopping mentality. Once you find one, stay there, and be very committed to it, and don't ever plan on leaving for less than extremely serious or necessary reasons. I've been at mine for over 17 years.

In any relatively large metro area, you should be able to find a very good, orthodox parish (mine is right outside of downtown Detroit, near the baseball and football stadiums). In rural areas, however, one doesn't have much of a choice, usually, and it can be a cross to bear, enduring mediocrity, spiritual pablum in homilies, and departures from the rubrics. But you still have Jesus present in the Eucharist, unless it is an outright invalid Mass (which is rare). Keep your focus on that (i.e., Him).

--- Marcus Grodi (director of The Coming Home Network, and host of the EWTN television show: The Journey Home)

I highly recommend his work, A Biblical Defense of Catholicism, which I find to be thoroughly orthodox, well-written, and effective for the purpose of making Catholic truth more understandable and accessible to the public at large.

God bless you in your indefatigable labors on behalf of the Faith! Only God knows how many lives your efforts have touched with the truth. . . . God bless you and give you joy and strength in persevering in your important ministry.

There is someone out there who says what I have to say much better than I ever could -- the smartest Catholic apologist I know of -- Dave Armstrong.

--- Amy Welborn (Catholic author and blogmaster)

I love your books, love your site, love everything you do. God bless you in your work. I'm very grateful for all you've done, and for all you make available. If someone pitches a hard question at me, I go first to your site. Then I send the questioner directly to the page that best answers the question. I know it's going to be on your site.

--- Mike Aquilina (Catholic apologist and author of several books)

People regularly tell me how much they appreciate your work. This new book sounds very useful. Your website is incredible and I recommend it regularly to new Catholics.

--- Al Kresta (Host of Kresta in the Afternoon [EWTN], author of Why Do Catholics Genuflect? and other books)

Dave Armstrong's book A Biblical Defense of Catholicism was one of the first Catholic apologetics books that I read when I was exploring Catholicism. Ever since then, I have continued to appreciate how he articulates the Catholic Faith through his blog and books. I still visit his site when I need a great quote or clarification regarding anything . . . Dave is one of the best cyber-apologists out there.--- Dr. Taylor Marshall (apologist and author of The Crucified Rabbi)

I love how Dave makes so much use of the Scriptures in his arguments, showing that the Bible is fully compatible with Catholicism, even more plausibly so than it is with Protestantism.. . . Dave is the hardest working Catholic apologist I know. He is an inspiration to me.

--- Devin Rose (apologist and author of The Protestant's Dilemma, 28 May 2012 and 30 Aug. 2013)Dave Armstrong['s] website is an amazing treasure trove representing hours–yea a lifetime of material gathered to defend Catholic doctrine. Over the years Dave has gathered the evidence for Catholic teaching from just about every source imaginable. He has the strength not only to understand the Catholic faith, but to understand the subtleties and arguments of his Protestant opponents.--- Fr. Dwight Longenecker (author and prominent blogmaster, 6-29-12)

You are a very friendly adversary who really does try to do all things with gentleness and respect. For this I praise God.--- Nathan Rinne (Lutheran apologist [LC-MS] )

You are one of the most thoughtful and careful apologists out there.

Dave, I disagree with you a lot, but you're honorable and gentlemanly, and you really care about truth. Also, I often learn from you, even with regard to my own field. [1-7-14]

--- Dr. Edwin W. Tait (Anglican Church historian)

Dave Armstrong writes me really nice letters when I ask questions. . . . Really, his notes to me are always first class and very respectful and helpful. . . . Dave Armstrong has continued to answer my questions in respectful and helpful ways. I thank the Lord for him.

--- The late Michael Spencer (evangelical Protestant), aka "The Internet Monk", on the Boar's Head Tavern site, 27 and 29 September 2007

Dave Armstrong is a former Protestant Catholic who is in fact blessedly free of the kind of "any enemy of Protestantism is a friend of mine" coalition-building . . . he's pro-Catholic (naturally) without being anti-Protestant (or anti-Orthodox, for that matter).

---"CPA": Lutheran professor of history [seehis site]: unsolicited remarks of 12 July 2005

Dave is basically the reason why I am the knowledgeable and passionate Catholic I am today. When I first decided in college to learn more about my Catholic faith, I read all of the tracts at Catholic Answers ... but then I needed more. I needed to move beyond the basics. Dave was the only one who had what I needed. I poured over his various dialogues and debates and found the answers to even the most obscure questions. His work showed me that there really is an answer to every conceivable question of and objection to the Catholic faith. That was a revelation for me, and it is one I will never forget. My own apologetical style (giving point-by-point rebuttals, relying heavily on Scripture, and being as thorough as possible) is influenced very heavily by his, and to this day I continue to learn and grow a great deal through his work explaining and defending the Catholic faith.

--- Nicholas Hardesty (DRE and apologist, 28 May 2015)

Dave has been a full-time apologist for years. He’s done much good for thousands of people.

You have a lot of good things to say, and you're industrious. Your content often is great. You've done yeoman work over the decades, and many more people [should] profit from your writing. They need what you have to say.

I know you spend countless hours writing about and defending the Church. There may not be any American apologist who puts in more labor than you. You've been a hard-working laborer in the vineyard for a long time.

I like the way you present your stuff Dave ... 99% of the time.--- Protestant Dave Scott, 4-22-14 on my personal Facebook page.

Who is this Dave Armstrong? What is he really like? Well, he is affable, gentle, sweet, easily pleased, very appreciative, and affectionate . . . I was totally unprepared for the real guy. He's a teddy bear, cuddly and sweet. Doesn't interrupt, sits quietly and respectfully as his wife and/or another woman speaks at length. Doesn't dominate the conversation. Just pleasantly, cheerfully enjoys whatever is going on about him at the moment and lovingly affirms those in his presence. Most of the time he has a relaxed, sweet smile.

--- Becky Mayhew (Catholic), 9 May 2009, on the Coming Home Network Forum, after meeting me in person.

Every so often, I recommend great apostolates, websites, etc. And I am very careful to recommend only the very best that are entirely Catholic and in union with the Church. Dave Armstrong’s Biblical Evidence for Catholicism site is one of those. It is a veritable treasure chest of information. Dave is thorough in his research, relentlessly orthodox, and very easy to read.

Discussions with you are always a pleasure, agreeing or disagreeing; that is a rarity these days.

--- David Hemlock (Eastern Orthodox Christian), 4 November 2014.

What I've appreciated, Dave, is that you can both dish out and take argumentative points without taking things personally. Very few people can do that on the Internet. I appreciate hard-hitting debate that isn't taken personally.

--- Dr. Lydia McGrew (Anglican), 12 November 2014.

Dave Armstrong is a friend of mine with whom I've had many discussions. He is a prolific Catholic writer and apologist. If you want to know what the Catholic Church really believes, Dave is a good choice. Dave and I have our disagreements, but I'll put my arm around him and consider him a brother. There is too much dishonesty among all sides in stating what the "other side" believes. I'll respect someone who states fairly what the other believes.

--- Richard Olsen (Evangelical Protestant), 26 November 2012.

Dave writes a powerful message out of deep conviction and careful study. I strongly recommend the reading of his books. While not all readers will find it possible to agree with all his conclusions, every reader will gain much insight from reading carefully a well-crafted view that may be different from their own.

--- Jerome Smith (Evangelical Protestant and editor of The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge), 26 May 2015 on LinkedIn.

I think it's really inspirational, Dave, that you pursue your passion and calling in this way, understanding that it's financially difficult, but making it work anyway. You and I don't agree, but I have to respect the choice as opposed to being some sort of corporate sell out that may make decent money but lives without purpose. You can tell your grandkids what you did with your life, whereas some corporate VP will say that he helped drive a quarterly stock price up briefly and who cares? It's cool to see.

Recommended Catholic Apologetics Links and Icons

Protestantism: Critical Reflections of an Ecumenical Catholic

Orthodoxy & Citation Permission

To the best of my knowledge, all of my theological writing is "orthodox" and not contrary to the official dogmatic and magisterial teaching of the Catholic Church. In the event of any (unintentional) doctrinal or moral error on my part having been undeniably demonstrated to be contrary to the Sacred Tradition of the Catholic Church, I will gladly and wholeheartedly submit to the authority and wisdom of the Church (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Timothy 3:15).

All material contained herein is written by Dave Armstrong (all rights reserved) unless otherwise noted. Please retain full copyright, URL, and author information when downloading and/or forwarding this material to others. This information is intended for educational, spiritual enrichment, recreational, non-profitpurposes only, and is not to be exchanged for monetary compensation under any circumstances (Exodus 20:15-16).